A dry winter could cause problems down the line for Canterbury

WeatherWatch forecasts it will be the driest region in the country this winter.

Environment Canterbury Chief Scientist Tim Davie says this is the time of year groundwater levels recharge.

He says we're at a pretty good level due to wet winters these past few years - but it could cause problems later on.

Davie says too many dry winters in a row could cause streams to dry up - and they'll have to put restrictions on irrigation.